Mexican President Felipe Calderón will be the 2011 Commencement speaker, the senior class presidents announced Friday.

This year’s Commencement weekend will also feature a Class Day lecture delivered by Rob Reich M.A. Ph.D. ’98, associate professor of political science, and a baccalaureate address by Rev. Gail E. Bowman, chaplain at Dillard University in New Orleans.

Calderón, who was elected to the Mexican presidency in 2006, is a member of the National Action Party (PAN). He previously served as secretary of energy under President Vicente Fox.

The senior class presidents nominated Calderón as the Commencement speaker to highlight “the importance of leadership in international cooperation and social justice,” they said in their announcement.

“President Calderón assumed office at one of the most challenging times in the history of his nation, and is a respected foreign leader who has been involved in public service and advocacy for his entire life,” said University President John Hennessy in a statement.

The 120th Commencement weekend is set for June 10-12.

–Joshua Falk